UK motorists believe that tailgating is the most serious offence committed on a motorway, a recent survey shows.

The research by GEM Motoring Assist reveals that 85 per cent of motorists think driving closely behind another car on the motorway causes highly dangerous situations.

Driving while using your mobile phone came second, with 66 per cent agreeing it would put lives at risk.

Almost two thirds of people believe that driving in the middle lane when the left-hand lane is empty is dangerous and should be more strictly enforced.

However, only 20 per cent said that speeding should be more closely monitored.